EASA AD 2018-0006
Equipment & Furnishings — Emergency Flotation System — Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0006 is an airworthiness directive addressing the inspection of the Emergency Flotation System (EFS) banjo fittings on Leonardo AW189 helicopters equipped with Aero Sekur EFS float assemblies. It applies to specific float assemblies identified by part and serial numbers and aims to ensure the continued airworthiness of these helicopters by preventing corrosion-related failures in the flotation system.
What Changed
This directive supersedes EASA AD 2017-0256 and retains its inspection requirements while updating compliance times based on the condition of the EFS. It incorporates revisions from Leonardo's Alert Service Bulletin 189-174 Rev. A, which includes considerations for previous maintenance actions relevant to compliance timing.
Why It Matters
The directive addresses corrosion found on banjo fittings that could impair the inflation functionality of the emergency flotation system, potentially compromising helicopter buoyancy during ditching. Compliance ensures safety by preventing flotation system failures and maintaining regulatory conformity for operators and maintenance organizations.
What To Do
Operators must visually inspect all banjo fittings of affected EFS float assemblies within specified compliance times—either within 6 or 12 months depending on prior modifications or inspections. If corrosion is found, the affected banjo fittings must be replaced before the next flight, and corrosion inhibiting compounds must be applied. Installation of affected float assemblies requires prior inspection and treatment as per the directive.
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